I Don't Need the Grand Duke's Regret - Chapter 103
Mirabel stood before the grave dressed in a black gown. She had come to visit Sarah’s tomb with Sophie.
The bridge to the capital of Arcangelo had collapsed due to an avalanche, and returning to Segolinde was also becoming increasingly uncertain.
Things were getting complicated.
She was already restless, especially after hearing Luce’s stories. And then the fact that she couldn’t leave this place right away.
“Thank you, Princess.”
Mirabel responded with a faint smile to Sophie’s gratitude as she had been lost in thought.
“No, I should be the one thanking Sophie and Sarah.”
Mirabel approached Sophie, took her hand, and said in a tender voice.
“If Sophie wants, I can arrange for the grave to be moved.”
Sophie silently looked at the grave in response to Mirabel’s offer.
A new tombstone marked ‘Sarah Leontine’ stood where the Princess’s tombstone once was. Sophie caressed the new tombstone and spoke bitterly.
“I’d like to take her with me, but I don’t want to disturb Sarah’s peaceful rest.”
She withdrew her hand from the tombstone and added,
“And transporting Sara across the snowy mountains would be a big deal.”
“Yes.”
Mirabel nodded at Sophie’s opinion. Leaving Sarah in Renato bothered her, but Sophie’s words made sense.
Most importantly, she wanted to honor the wishes of Sarah’s family member, Sophie.
“Whenever you want to visit Sarah, come to Renato. I’ll speak to the Grand Duke’s aide.”
“Not the Grand Duke himself?”
Mirabel paused at Sophie’s question. She chuckled awkwardly. Before she could respond, Sophie shrugged.
“Well, it doesn’t matter who it is. As long as it’s someone in charge of Renato.”
“Yes. And the aide…”
“Speak to me.”
As she was answering Sophie, Mirabel stopped as a gentle voice came from behind.
Ricardo, dressed in formal attire, was approaching her.
As Mirabel turned, her eyes met his. Ricardo momentarily narrowed his eyes before taking on a calm expression.
“It’s best to go out when the snow stops in Renato. The sky is unpredictable.”
Ricardo placed a hand over his chest, bowed politely, and continued.
Mirabel clutched her skirt, staring intently at Ricardo. As she silently watched the Grand Duke, Sophie stepped forward, sensing the tension between them.
“The weather is so unpredictable, perhaps I should bring an umbrella. Grand Duke, would you mind waiting here with the Princess for a moment?”
Ricardo quietly nodded. Sophie gave Mirabel a nod before she left.
Mirabel tried to stop her. But Sophie was quicker than her reaching hand.
“Have a chat!”
Sophie seemingly picked up on the emotional current flowing between Mirabel and Ricardo. Though she mistook the atmosphere as sweet pink.
‘It’s not like that.’
Mirabel sighed as she watched Sophie disappear. She wanted to clear up any misunderstandings later.
As Mirabel stepped forward to follow in the direction Sophie had gone, a dark shadow loomed over her.
Ricardo had blocked her path and looked down at her with a heavy gaze. When Mirabel tried to move aside, he stepped in her way again.
“Don’t go without your maid.”
“I don’t want to be in the same space as you.”
Mirabel retorted sharply. Yet Ricardo’s expression did not change. He simply continued to gaze at Mirabel.
“I hope you will allow me the chance to make amends during your stay in Renato.”
“And if I don’t want to?”
Mirabel glared at Ricardo.
As she attempted to pass by him, Ricardo reached out his hand.
His touch was rough yet cold as he firmly grasped Mirabel’s hand.
Mirabel’s eyes widened in surprise. Ricardo treated her as if she was as delicate as glass.
“I beg you.”
Ricardo held her hand and bowed his head slightly. As he lowered his gaze, his eyelashes cast shadows across his pale cheeks.
Then, his lips softly met the back of her hand. Ricardo, with a reverence akin to a devout believer, kissed her hand and then looked up.
“Please…Mirabel.”
The intensity in Ricardo’s voice made Mirabel’s eyes flutter.
Ricardo had always called her Princess or Armilla. This was the first time he had used her real name.
‘But what does that change?’
Mirabel took her hand from Ricardo’s grip. If a mere mention of her name was enough to sway her, she would have been swayed long ago.
If she was ever going to be swayed, she wouldn’t have left his side in the first place.
Mirabel began walking past Ricardo. She was completely ignoring him.
“Mirabel!”
As she walked toward the mansion, a pitiful and sorrowful voice called from behind her. However, Mirabel did not stop.
“Have you arrived?”
As Mirabel entered the mansion, the butler seemed to have been waiting for her. He was awkwardly fumbling as he approached the veiled Princess.
“Did you have a good visit to the tomb, Princess?”
“Thanks to you.”
Mirabel responded concisely and headed towards the stairs. She was not in the mood for conversation. Yet, the butler persistently spoke to her.
“I have instructed them to consistently care for it, even after it was revealed not to be your tomb.”
“Thank you.”
Mirabel replied bluntly.
She did not like the butler, Paolo. He had turned a blind eye to the maids, including Bianca, who had tormented Armilla.
Sometimes, he even stepped in to scold Armilla himself.
Paolo was a man who judged people strictly by their status and utility. The way he treated the unknown Armilla harshly and bowed down to the noble princess was despicable to her.
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